Hi, I have had tendancy toward anorexia in past. I now eat a lot more. I have put on fat quite significantly from my waist down and have gone up a jean size, but from my waist up I look emaciated. Why is this? I no longer exercise. Is this why my legs and bottom have accumulated the fat, but not my top half? I am also osteopenic. Does this effect what I weigh? Do less dense bones weigh less? Thanks. – A J
Hi AJ,
Thank you for your question.
I don’t know that your decreased bone mineral density will make a significant difference as far as the number on the scale. It would be minimal.
Bodies are built differently, so how your weight is being distributed depends on many different factors. See “Understanding Body Types” for some general information. You need to have a professional involved, however, to assess you and determine your healthy weight.
Brenda K. Woods, MD, FAAFP